$6.41 million verdict in Temple malpractice lawsuit
A Philadelphia jury Thursday awarded $6.41 million to the children of a 38-year-old man who died after doctors at Temple University Hospital allegedly misdiagnosed his heart condition.Derrick Harlem had collapsed on May 31, 2009, while playing basketball and was taken to the hospital with severe chest pain, the plaintiffs’ lawyers said. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and released after being given Motrin and an antibiotic. Three months later, Harlem collapsed again while playing basketball. He had suffered a massive heart attack and died on Nov. 12, 2009. "These young children lost their dad, and no amount of money can replace him. They would gladly give the money back for more time with their dad," said Matthew Casey, an attorney representing the five children. The hospital and two doctors, Robert M. McNamara and Marsha W. Edwards, were the defendants.
A Philadelphia jury Thursday awarded $6.41 million to the children of a 38-year-old man who died after doctors at Temple University Hospital allegedly misdiagnosed his heart condition.
Derrick Harlem had collapsed on May 31, 2009, while playing basketball and was taken to the hospital with severe chest pain, the plaintiffs' lawyers said. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and released after being given Motrin and an antibiotic. Three months later, Harlem collapsed again while playing basketball. He had suffered a massive heart attack and died on Nov. 12, 2009.
"These young children lost their dad, and no amount of money can replace him. They would gladly give the money back for more time with their dad," said Matthew Casey, an attorney representing the five children. The hospital and two doctors, Robert M. McNamara and Marsha W. Edwards, were the defendants.
Hospital spokeswoman Rebecca Harmon said in a statement Friday night that "the care provided was at all times proper and the verdict was not supported by the facts." Harmon said the hospital would file posttrial motions.